How should an EMT assess the breathing of a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Assessing a patient’s breathing during respiratory distress involves a comprehensive evaluation of their respiratory effort and overall effectiveness in breathing. Observing for retractions and the use of accessory muscles is critical because these signs indicate that the patient is struggling to breathe effectively.

Retractions occur when the skin between the ribs (intercostal spaces), above the clavicles, or below the sternum is pulled inward during inhalation, suggesting increased effort and difficulty in drawing air into the lungs. The use of accessory muscles – such as those in the neck and shoulders – indicates that a patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress and is not able to meet their oxygen demands with normal breathing muscles alone.

These observations provide vital information about the severity of the patient’s condition and help the EMT to assess how urgently intervention may be required. Understanding these signs plays a crucial role in making quick decisions regarding treatment and potential transport to advanced medical support.

While counting breaths per minute, listening for wheezing, and checking capillary refill can provide useful supplementary information, they do not give as immediate and clear an indication of the severity of respiratory distress as observing retractions and accessory muscle usage does.